Aerostat: The big, fat & white Games balloon

Aerostat, a white gigantic helium-filled balloon, was unveiled at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Wednesday amid rain on Wednesday. The balloon, billed as a technological marvel, has provisions for a 360 degree projection.

Aerostat, a white gigantic helium-filled balloon, was unveiled at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Wednesday amid rain on Wednesday. The balloon, billed as a technological marvel, has provisions for a 360 degree projection.

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The Aerostat balloon is 80 x 40 x 12 metres in size. It is 10 metres high and will be raised to a height of 30 metres from the ground along the rim of the stadium over the next two days. It is filled with 20,000 cubic metres of helium gas.

Fitted with mirrors, the balloon will reflect light thrown from below besides having its own own lighting fixtures. The 360-degree projection is aided by a number of projectors on the rim/roof of the stadium and also by lights on the ground angled at the balloon.

CWG OC chairman Suresh Kalmadi called it as a "technological marvel" and said, "The balloon cost us Rs 40 crore and that too after negotiations."

Viraf Sarkar of Wizcraft, event managers for the opening ceremony, said, "This is for the first time that such an Aerostat is being used for a entertainment/sporting event."